The bout co-headlined Saturday’s UFC on FUEL TV 7 event in London’s Wembley Arena. It airs on FUEL TV following prelims on Facebook.

After a series of lackluster decisions, Swanson vs. Poirier provided plenty of action.

After the former WEC fighters traded some lunging punches early in the fight, including a series of blows to the body, Swanson scored the first big shot when an uppercut wobbled his opponent. Poirier ate a more few punches but ultimately got a takedown to buy some recovery time. However, on the way back up, Swanson unloaded a lunging knee and punch before the round ended.

Swanson opened the second round with a body shot and followed with a few quick shots to the head. Poirier, though, instantly returned fire and briefly stunned Swanson with a body shot. After a clinch against the cage, a recovered Swanson unloaded a nice body kick and punches, but Poirier got a big double-leg takedown. Swanson threatened with a shoulder lock to get back to his feet, but Poirier was the more aggressive striker as a close round ended.

With the fight potentially up for grabs, Poirier looked for an early takedown but settled for a barrage of punches that found their mark. Although fatigued, Swanson scored a double-leg takedown to halt the assault. However, he wasn’t simply looking for recovery time. He quickly transitioned to Poirier’s back and fought off his attempts to stand, and then moved into mount before battering Poirier with punches on his way back up. He then scored a slick arm-and-head throw and closed out the fight in dominant position on the mat.

The well-rounded attack won over the judges, and in the end, Swanson took the unanimous decision via 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27 scores.

Swanson (19-5 MMA, 4-1 UFC) has now won four consecutive fights, all in the UFC, and should get some serious title consideration. With champion Jose Aldo set to fight Anthony Pettis in August, Swanson is likely to be next in line, or possibly in line for a No. 1 contender’s bout.

Poirier (13-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC), meanwhile, has dropped two of three since a five-fight win streak that had him within reaching distance of his own title shot.

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